Restrictions hurting some restaurants, bars even with indoor dining

Since reopening indoor dining more than a week ago, some Ottawa restaurants say people have lined up to get inwhile others saypublic health restrictions still pose challenges.

Indoor areas at restaurants and bars reopened on Nov. 7 as the city emerged from modified Stage 2 pandemic restrictions placed by the province in October.

Corey Sauv, owner of Flapjack's Canadian Diner in Little Italy, said he was pleasantly surprised after reopening that Saturday.

"We actually weren't expecting to be as busy as we were. On the weekends, there was like a45-minute wait for a table, which was awesome," saidSauv.

The majority of his sales throughout the week have remained delivery orders,Sauv said. Although he's grateful for the business, it meansforking out commission to delivery companies which takes a cut out of profits.

Restrictions 'hurting us,' says Nepean bar

Chris Vasilas, owner of Local Heroes sports bar in Nepean, kept his patioopen over the past monthbut said business is still down.

"Loss of revenue is definitely the biggest thing," Vasilas said.

Theearly closing time of 10 p.m. is also difficult, he said.

"Now, we can't show Monday night football, Thursday night football, Sunday night football because at half time, everyone needs to get out," he said.

Vasilas said he used to seat about 200 people inside. Now he's limited to 50.

"Between the time and the capacity thing, it's definitely hurting us."

Ultimately, Vasilas said he's happy to have reopenedand business is surviving thanks to his regulars.

"It's something that we've really been very appreciative of the community coming together for us."

More stress with indoor dining: server

HosanaAngkasa, who has workedat Saigon Phoin Orlans for four years, said the restaurant's sales have been a little better since reopening butshe said, when they were in modified Stage 2,she felt safer.

"When it'sdine-in open, I'm a little bit afraid," Angkasa said, noting that some people forget their masks and ask to order without them. "It's stressful."

Jenny Lu, manager of Ng's Cuisine in Nepean, said her expenses were lower when it was takeout only.

"It's not really, really busy," said Lu, describing serving only three or four dine-in tables per day onweekdayssince reopening. Lu said she paid lower electricity bills and salary costswhen indoor dining was closed.

Consistency is key for her business, added Lu. Many customers are timid to come dine inside after a lockdown, she said.

• Ottawa businesses relieved to see lockdown measures end Saturday

"If you allow the restaurants to open, then just [let them] open. Not just open one month, and next month you have to lock down," she said.

Lu also wants Ontario to increase the table limit from four to six.

"Sometimes [families] with the young kids ... they're not happy,'" she said. "That kind of affect[s] the business."